Early life and education Smith was born in
Oxford and grew up in
Marston. He suffered from
rheumatic fever and consequently missed school while he was convalescing. During this time, he began painting, and was encouraged by a teacher to enrol in the
Oxford School of Art (now part of
Oxford Brookes University) where he studied
graphic design. Following this, he continued studying at the
Central School of Arts and Crafts, where he met
Vivian Stanshall. Whilst at art college, he would experience the beginning of his first of many persona portrayals: == Discography ==